Detection of series arcing in low-voltage electrical installations

Series arcing, which can occur at any point of a line or neutral conductor between the switchboard and a load (mechanically damaged conductor, clamps in the switchboard or in the equipment, connections in outlets, receptacles, and switches), is the most frequent electrical cause of fire. This paper presents an original and simple algorithm for the detection of series arcing, based on permanent spectral analysis of the circuit current signal. A prototype of a simple and cheap detector of series arcing has also been developed. The target group for the application of the protective device are residential premises, the most numerous and most critical buildings in which series arcing occurs. In such buildings a range of potential loads is limited, which enables the application of the presented simple algorithm. Its applicability is confirmed through an extensive set of tests. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.